Matterley – Looking Back

Ok, it wasn’t as big as Maggiora in 1986 or 2016, in fact the constant rain that hung over Matterley Basin pretty much for the whole event, dampened what should have been one of the best ever. While everyone did a brilliant job to get the event as good as possible, mother nature made it a bit of a disappointment.

Steve Dixon reminded me that to match 2006 would have been impossible, with the whole Everts vs Stewart vs Carmichael (before he got injured and couldn’t race) made that event something special, and while we still had Cairoli, and Herlings, the anticipation from the crowd was more focused on their home team, or that of Team France.

Sure, Team Great Britain and Team France walked away happy, and the MXGP boys once again showed the difference in levels at the moment compared to their AMA counterparts, but it could have been so much better, and with a dry track a lot closer for teams like Australia and America.

The performances by Max Anstie and Hunter Lawrence were just scintillating. No doubt the talk of the MX2 class being a weak class should now be stopped. When an 18-year-old kid can do what Lawrence did, and also strong performances from Thomas Kjer Olsen over the weekend, and guys like Brian Bogers, and even Jeremy Seewer in the 450 class, it’s clear the MX2 class is a lot better than many people think.

It sure isn’t no feeder series. Without MX2 champion Pauls Jonass, and Seewer racing the 450, not to mention riders like Benoit Paturel, Thomas Covington and Julien Lieber not racing the MX2 class at the MXoN, Lawrence really held up his part of the bargain for the GP riders.

Jeffrey Herlings worked hard to try and pick up his first ever 1-1 at the MXoN, and no doubt next year in America he will try it again. Redbud looks like a good circuit for the Dutchman, and he should be the big favourite to do that on American soil.

The performance from Team USA was a sad one. Three nice guys, all pumped to ride for their country, just didn’t have it on the day. The conditions didn’t help, maybe the pressure, but they all deserve 100% respect for showing class, determination and desire. America should be proud of these boys, just as the Australian, South African and every other nations should be of their riders. I my opinion it wouldn’t have mattered who USA sent this year, Team France were just on another level.

There was drama, good racing, and climaxes, which is what the MXoN delivers, and despite the conditions, it was a success. Now bring on 2018 and the American version. Let’s hope we get a Budds Creek type event, and not the disappointing Thunder Valley event in 2010, when the crowd wasn’t really into it. With a nice mix of crazy Europeans, and the RedBud crew, it should be an event worth attending.

Quote of the weekend for me came from Hunter Lawrence. On the Friday when asked if he was happy to see some fellow Australians at the event, he smiles and said, “sure, you euros are weird.” I had to laugh out loud, and smile at the young 18 years olds honesty and pure comments. Once he moves to America in 2019, you guys will love him. I just hope he can capture a world MX2 title in 2018 before he heads off.

France Wins MXoN Again!

Anstie moto, France Trophy

Max Anstie has won the final moto of the MXoN, but it was Team France who took home the Chamberlain trophy for the fourth year in a row, only the third team to do so in the history of the event. Team France with Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin and Christophe Charlier really dominated the competition, and were easily the best nation. Winning with 20 points, and followed by Team Netherlands with 31pts and Team Great Britain with 32pts.

Class winners were Max Anstie with 1-1 in the MXGP class, Jeffrey Herlings going 1-2 for the Open class and Hunter Lawrence with 4-8 in the MX2 class.

The final moto of the day and its again Anstie who is leading, ahead of Febvre, Van Horebeek, Herlings, Tonus, Seely, Ullrich, Paulin, Gajser, Seewer, Wilson, Coldenhoff, Facciotti, Cairoli, Leok, Bobryshev, Ferris, Irwin, Olsen, and Edmonds in 20^th. Covington 26^th and Gibbs now back in 32^nd place.

Paulin goes past Ullrich, and Cairoli passed Facciotti. Paulin also past Seely, and Gajser into 8^th as he passed Ullrich. Irwin moves past Ferris and the Aussies in big trouble. Febvre all over Anstie for the lead as the French look like defending their Chamberlain trophy.

Herlings into third and going after the two front guys. Ferris drops to 21^st and Gibbs up to 27^th. Seewer up to 8^th and the Swizz coming for a podium place as Tonus commands fifth place.

After two laps it was Anstie, Febvre, Herlings, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Paulin, Gajser, Seewer, Seely, Wilson, Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Ullrich, Bobryshev, Leok, Olsen, Noren, Irwin, Facciotti, and Strijbos 20^th.

Seely back to 12^th place as Wilson and Cairoli move past the American. Wilson into ninth and the home team looking for a podium finish.

Ferris fighting hard into 16^th and Gibbs 24^th. France in command though with second and sixth. Gajser all over Paulin, as Paulin moved past Tonus and Gajser went for the same, but the two collided and Gajser went down.

Anstie went down and Febvre into the lead and France cruising to victory. After five laps its Febvre, Anstie, Herlings, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Tonus, Seewer, Gajser, Wilson, Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Leok, Seely, Noren and Bobryshev 15^th.

Seely again struggling against the GP riders as he drops to 16^th place and Covington in 20^th. Seely into 19^th and Ferris way back. It’s a done day for USA and Australia. Seely another DNF, and again a rear end problem.

Herlings closed on Anstie and Anstie onto Febvre. Top three all-together. Anstie all over Febvre and nearly landed on him over a jump. Anstie much quicker.

Anstie into the lead and Febvre tried to fight back and its giving Herlings a chance to catch them. He was 12 seconds back when he got to third.

Anstie held off a late challenge from Herlings to win the moto and help Team Great Britain onto the podium. France win it from Netherlands and Great Britain.

 Race 3 (MXGP + Open) – Classification

1 19 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 37:59.163
2 6 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 38:00.271
3 3 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM Yamaha 38:59.174
4 10 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB Yamaha 39:19.722
5 67 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS Honda 39:26.564
6 1 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 39:36.130
7 13 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 39:44.017
8 21 Wilson, Dean GBR AMA Husqvarna 39:50.756
9 18 Seewer, Jeremy SUI FMS Suzuki 40:01.928
10 16 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS Yamaha 40:06.811
11 4 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 40:23.654
12 31 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MUL Honda 41:00.859
13 12 Strijbos, Kevin BEL FMB Suzuki 38:08.664
14 27 Leok, Tanel EST EMF Husqvarna 38:10.992
15 39 Noren, Fredrik SWE AMA Honda 38:12.452
16 61 Goncalves, Rui POR FMP Husqvarna 38:13.794
17 9 Covington, Thomas USA MUL Husqvarna 38:14.438
18 15 Lupino, Alessandro ITA FMI Honda 38:28.973
19 24 Gibbs, Kirk AUS MA KTM 39:10.430
20 42 Olsen, Stefan Kjer DEN DMU Kawasaki 39:16.627

Herlings wins second moto

While Jeffrey Herlings of Team Netherlands won the second moto, the battle for the Chamberlain trophy was now between Team France, Team Australia and Team The Netherlands. Brilliance by Herlings, but also 18 year old Aussie Hunter Lawrence, who won the MX2 overall for the weekend, and could have easily finished with 4-3 results had he not crashed in the late stages of the second moto, finishing with 4-8 results.

“I had a good start in first,” Herlings said. “I pulled a gap, but the track is so slick and I made a small crash. I took my time to get some good lines and managed to overtake Romain for first place, so that was good.”

Herlings quickly took the lead, with Febvre, Ullrich, Gibbs, Leok, Lupino, Charlier, Sanayei, Wilson, Osborne, Strijbos, Cervellin, Baranov, Lawrence, Olsen. Searle in 28^th, Seewer 30^th, and Covington in 38^th. Team Great Britain and Team USA in terrible trouble for an overall victory. Team France with two riders inside the top ten.

World Enduro rider Charlier moved past AMA 250 champion Osborne, ridiculous, but true, and Covington down again.

Herlings once again taking it easy in the early going, his typical race strategy. Lawrence ninth and Gibbs third as the Aussies move into second place in the overall standings. Lawrence and Osborne going head to head as the Aussie makes the pass and gives the Aussies something to get excited about.

After two laps its Herlings, Febvre, Gibbs, Lupino, Charlier, Lawrence, Leok, Osborne, Wilson, Ullrich, Strijbos, Sanayei, Olsen, Cervellin and Bogers.

Herlings went down in the mud, but didn’t lose too much time, still in second. Febvre threw his goggles off, and slipping and sliding his way in first place.

Lawrence into fifth place and chasing down Lupino in fourth place. The Aussies are closing in on France, although they need some luck in the final moto. Going head to head against Febvre and Paulin Gibbs and Ferris would have their hands full.

Charlier goes past Lawrence and Lupino all over Gibbs, the Aussies getting some problems now. Searle in 20^th, and Covington 26^th. Team USA are out of contention. Seewer in for new goggles and miles back.

As he does, Herlings picks up the pace, and closes right up on Febvre. After five laps it was Febvre, Herlings, Gibbs, Lupino, Charlier, Osborne, Lawrence, Wilson, Leok, Sanayei, Olsen, Strijbos, Medaglia, Olsen, Noren, Cervellin, Searle, Ullrich, and Ostlund.

Lawrence into seventh as Osborne moves into sixth, but the chance of a top five is still tough for the American riders. Covington 25^th and Searle now 17^th.

Lawrence closed up on Osborne, and the American closed up on Charlier, the top three MX2 guys all together. Herlings all over Febvre for the lead.

Osborne now the lead MX2 rider as he moved into fifth. The top ten after seven laps was Febvre, Herlings, Gibbs, Lupino, Osborne, Lawrence, Charlier, Wilson, Leok, Olsen in 10^th. Covington lapped by Febvre after seven laps.

Herlings so beautiful on a bike, as he clearly passed Febvre, just too good. He takes the lead and as Febvre drops to second and Charlier seventh the Dutch and the Aussies make a little ground on the French. Team France riders 2-7, Team Netherlands 1-11 and Team Australia 4-6. The French eight points ahead of Holland. Those are the teams going for the victory in the final moto.

Herlings lead three seconds over Febvre, then came Lupino, Gibbs, Osborne, Lawrence, Charlier, Wilson, Leok, Olsen, Bogers, Strijbos, Sanayei, Seewer and Medaglia.

Lawrence back past Osborne, and onto Gibbs for fourth place. Soon after he passed Gibbs. The best MX2 rider of the day, without doubt. Lawrence closing down Lupino in third. Bogers goes past Olsen, to help the Netherlands a little.

Lawrence goes past Lupino, but the 450 rider had too much speed for the young Aussie. Osborne went past Gibbs to move into fifth, and Bogers up to ninth. Lawrence now third and riding like a legend.

Searle up to 15^th place, but it’s going to be tough for Team Great Britain to make the podium unless the French, Dutch or Aussies have bad luck in the final moto.

With throw away races it was France 12pts, Australia 13pts, and Holland 18pts, but then Lawrence crashed and handed Osborne the MX2 lead, and makes it tough for the Aussies now as Lawrence dropped to 8^th place.

Herlings wins the moto and Team France with a handy points lead going into the final moto. Only teams with a real shot at winning the overall are France, The Netherlands and Australia. With a throw-away race its France 11pts, Australia 17pts and The Netherlands 18pts.

Team Points after two motos

1 France 25
2 Race 2 3 FEBVRE, Romain FFM Yamaha
3 Race 1 1 PAULIN, Gautier MCM Husqvarna
6 Race 2 2 CHARLIER, Christophe FFM Husqvarna
14 Race 1 2 CHARLIER, Christophe FFM Husqvarna

2 The Netherlands 30
1 Race 2 6 HERLINGS, Jeffrey KNMV KTM
8 Race 1 4 COLDENHOFF, Glenn KNMV KTM
9 Race 2 5 BOGERS, Brian KNMV KTM
12 Race 1 5 BOGERS, Brian KNMV KTM

3 Australia 39
4 Race 1 23 LAWRENCE, Hunter MA Suzuki
5 Race 2 24 GIBBS, Kirk MA KTM
8 Race 2 23 LAWRENCE, Hunter MA Suzuki
22 Race 1 22 FERRIS, Dean MA Yamaha

4 Switzerland 55
5 Race 1 16 TONUS, Arnaud FMS Yamaha
14 Race 2 18 SEEWER, Jeremy FMS Suzuki
18 Race 2 17 GUILLOD, Valentin FMS Honda
18 Race 1 17 GUILLOD, Valentin FMS Honda

5 Great Britain 60
1 Race 1 19 ANSTIE, Max ACU Husqvarna
7 Race 2 21 WILSON, Dean AMA Husqvarna
15 Race 2 20 SEARLE, Tommy ACU Kawasaki
37 Race 1 20 SEARLE, Tommy ACU Kawasaki

6 Belgium 60
7 Race 1 10 VAN HOREBEEK, Jeremy FMB Yamaha
12 Race 2 12 STRIJBOS, Kevin FMB Suzuki
17 Race 1 11 VAN DONINCK, Brent FMB Yamaha
24 Race 2 11 VAN DONINCK, Brent FMB Yamaha

MXoN Moto One

Anstie wins moto one

Major drama in the mud in moto one as Team USA and Team Great Britain had riders DNF in the tough, muddy conditions. The star of the moto was home rider Max Anstie who scored a start to finish victory, leading home Tim Gajser and Gautier Paulin.

“That was unreal,” Anstie said. “The best thing I have ever done in my life. It felt like an Enduro, I did 10 minutes and I looked up and I still had 20 minutes to go. I just tried to do my thing. What an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to do the next one of the fans. Its unreal.”

Anstie led early from Coldenhoff, followed by Paulin, Tonus, Gajser, Lawrence, Seely, Butron, Bobryshev, Osborne, Ferris, Van Horebeek, Olsen and Bogers.

Anstie made a massive lead over Paulin who had passed Coldenhoff. Cairoli down in turn one and back in 15^th place. Searle in 17^th place.

Coldenhoff stalled the bike and Tonus past the Dutchman. The Dutch struggling somewhat now. Seely down to 16^th place and struggling terribly against this competition. Osborne into 10^th place. Team Australian rider Dean Ferris is even more trouble than Seely, as he is back in 34^th position.

Ostlund passed Seely to drop the American to 17^th place and Cairoli up to 12^th place as his team-mate Cervellin was 22^nd. Charlier also struggling for France as he was 20^th.

After two laps the lead by Anstie was 11 seconds, flying in front of his home fans, but Searle back to 17^th, and Seely now 37^th.

Searle down to 20^th place, but many of the MX2 guys struggling badly. Three that were strong though were Lawrence in sixth place, Olsen seventh, and Osborne in 10^th. Bogers 13^th also doing well on the MX2 bike. Ferris last, and Seely 34^th, the Aussies and Americans struggling badly with their MX1 riders.

Lawrence moved onto Coldenhoff, and tried to move into fifth place. Olsen also right on that group. Searle now 30^th after three laps. Another casualty from the opening moto. Seely up to 31^st and Ferris into 32^nd, with Searle 37^th.

Seely problems with his suspension is as good as out of the moto. Charlier using his endure skills into 16^th and not a bad place now as some of the other MX2 guys struggle. Osborne can’t get out of 10^th place as he drops well back from Van Horebeek in 9^th.

Coldenhoff in fifth and Bogers in 13^th are not flying, but being consistent enough help Team Netherlands to the podium. Seely and Searle out of the race it seems.

After five laps, the lead by Anstie is 12 seconds, then Paulin, Tonus, Gajser, Coldenhoff, Lawrence, Bobryshev, Olsen, Van Horebeek, and Osborne 10^th.

At this stage France led with 2-15, then Holland with 5-13 and then Switzerland with 3-20. Belgium held 8-20 places. The other top teams are struggling with riders at the back of the pack.

Gajser moved past Tonus to get into third and after seven laps it was Anstie, Paulin, Gajser, Tonus, Lawrence, Coldenhoff, Bobryshev, Van Horebeek, Olsen, Osborne, Cairoli, Ratsep, Bogers, Ostlund, and Charlier 15^th. Ferris up to 27^th and still keeping the Aussies in it.

Gajser went past Paulin and suddenly its France with 18 points and Netherlands with 19^th points. With Herlings for the second and third motos the Dutch must look like favourites now. Ferris up to 23^rd place, and Team Australia have now 30 points and are in the top five.

Lawrence moved into fifth place and Ferris also looking to move up a few places. Osborne up to 8th, then back to 10th, and trying to help Team USA into the top five. Lawrence moved into fourth, passing Tonus late.

Anstie wins it from Gajser and Paulin. Team France and Team Netherlands the two top teams after moto one. Team France lead with 17 points, then Team Netherlands with 20 points. Then came Team Belgium with 24 points, Team Switzerland 23 points, Team Australia with 26 points.

 Race 1 (MXGP + MX2) – Classification

1 19 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 36:10.357
2 67 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS Honda 36:16.608
3 1 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 36:19.755
4 23 Lawrence, Hunter AUS MA Suzuki 36:51.764
5 16 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS Yamaha 36:55.335
6 31 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MUL Honda 37:05.953
7 10 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB Yamaha 37:10.604
8 4 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 37:18.991
9 41 Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN DMU Husqvarna 37:30.118
10 8 Osborne, Zachary USA AMA Husqvarna 37:41.483
11 13 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 37:56.447
12 5 Bogers, Brian NED KNMV KTM 38:18.185
13 25 Ratsep, Priit EST EMF Honda 38:22.805
14 2 Charlier, Christophe FRA FFM Husqvarna 38:24.938
15 38 Östlund, Alvin SWE SVEMO Yamaha 38:29.941
16 61 Goncalves, Rui POR FMP Husqvarna 38:30.346
17 11 Van doninck, Brent BEL FMB Yamaha 38:35.483
18 17 Guillod, Valentin SUI FMS Honda 36:25.863
19 65 Jacobi, Henry GER DMSB Husqvarna 36:35.301
20 26 Kullas, Harri EST EMF Husqvarna 36:38.634

France Tops MXoN Qualifying

France Top MXoN Qualifying from The Netherlands - Australia Qualify Third

By: Aaryn Minerds

Check out all the results from the 2017 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations being held at Matterly Basin

Team France will have first pick of the gate for tomorrow's MXoN final after both Romain Febvre and Gatuier Paulin finished 2nd in their respective MXopen and MXGP races, while THE Netherland thanks to Jeffery Herlings MX Open race win combined by Brian Bogers MX2 3rd place will have the second pick.

In a great effort the Australian team finished qualifying in 3rd positions.

Dean Ferris opened proceedings with a fine 7th place finish in the opening MXGP race, before Hunter Lawrence grabbed the holeshot in the MX2 race and looked like he would take the win before American Zach Osbourne caught and passed him on the final lap as the duo finished 23 seconds ahead of the field.

With the Australian's already set for a top 3-5 qualifying position, Kirk Gibbs ensured it was a top three when he finished a fantastic fourth in the MX Open race. After a good jump, Gibbs pushed his way forward through the first turn and made his way into 4th by the second turn and held strong all race.

Team USA finished the day in 5th after Osbourne's MX2 win, while the host nation Great Britain rouned out the top five.

Final Team Qualifying results
1. France - 4 Pts
2. The Netherlands - 4 Pts
3. Australia - 6 Pts
4. USA - 8 Pts
5. Great Britain - 9 Pts
6. Switzerland - 11 Pts
7. Belgium - 11 Pts
8. Italy - 13 Pts
9. Denmark - 18 Pts
10. Estonia - 19 Pts
11. Spain - 20 Pts
12. Puerto Rico - 21 Pts
13. Ireland - 22 Pts
14. Germany - 23 Pts
15. Canada - 25 Pts
16. Portugal - 26 Pts
17. Slovenia - 26 Pts
18. Sweden - 27 Pts
19. Russia - 28 Pts

Tom White...A Little Dirt Bike History!

Tom White and the Yamaha DT-1

Graham Jarvis wins Red Bull Sea to Sky

Photo credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

Graham Jarvis rules the mountain to win the 2017 Red Bull Sea to Sky in Turkey.

Becoming the most dominant rider in the eight-year history of the race, Jarvis scaled the 2365m high Olympos Mountain first to collect his fifth victory in the event.

 Proving a good day for Sherco, Mario Roman and Wade Young completed the podium.

“That’s easily one of my greatest victories here at Sea to Sky,” told Jarvis. “I had to work for that one, it was a close race from bottom to top.”

“My start wasn’t great and I had a bit of catching up to do. Wade and Mario were really pushing the pace up front.

Photo credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

“Then I broke my clutch perch and housing mid way through and had to tape it to the handlebars. I had no clutch in some places.

“I caught the two guys properly in the second last climb, within sight of the finish line and made it up first.

“I’m a happy man, I think a few beers are in order tonight!”

For the majority of the race it was a Sherco 1-2 with Roman and Young setting the pace. Roman led initially then Young took over as they sized each other up.

Photo credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

Young led into the second last climb but Jarvis nipped past him there.

Then with about 50 metres to go, Roman snuck past as Young became beached on a rock, in a move that was a carbon copy of what happened two years ago when Andreas Lettenbichler snuck past too.

Getting the better of his teammate, Roman cross the line to take the runner-up result in his first time of asking at Red Bull Sea to Sky.

“I”m so happy with this result, to come here for my first time and get on the podium is great,” said Roman.

“I was riding with Wade and he just made that mistake at the end and I got the position.”

Feeling a little short changed at the finish, Young completed the top three.

“I’m a bit gutted with that, I went from first to third within sight of the finish line, it’s a bitter pill to swallow,” admitted Young.

Photo credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

Behind the top three it was Alfredo Gomez who took his KTM home in fourth.

Putting in a solid and determined ride, Billy Bolt brought his Husqvarna home in fifth while Jonny Walker completed the top six with Lars Enockl seventh.

Qualifying Highlights MXoN 2017

Travis Pastrana – London Calling

Travis Pastrana

Action sports icon and Nitro Circus ringleader Travis Pastrana is poised to add yet another huge world’s first to his CV: the first motorcycle backflip while floating on water.

Pastrana will attempt to backflip a 75-foot wide gap between two barges floating in the Thames River. Both will be 120-feet out from the embankment without any mooring lines tied to the shore or each other. Without either an open ended run-in or landing – not even solid ground – Pastrana will only have 150 feet to accelerate to takeoff speed. Then after hitting the lander he will only have 36 feet to come to a stop before sliding into the river. Pastrana must also contend with the choppy water of the Thames that will make his landing ramp a moving target, not to mention high winds that will buffet him in midair, threatening to send him flying off course and miss the 27 foot wide landing barge altogether.

The stakes are high: Mike Metzger crashed hard during a 2006 attempt in Long Beach harbor, fracturing his L-4 vertebra. While fortunately Metzeger made a full recovery, no one has braved this trick since.

Pastrana’s attempt will celebrate the announcement of the all-new 2018 Nitro Circus Live European tour, the action sports phenomenon’s first arena trek on the continent in two years. More tour details to be announced soon.

Dissected: MXoN Preview

Previewing the MXoN

Team France were just five points down on the eventual winners, Team USA, when the Motocross of Nations last took place in Great Britain. The French will have a chance to redeem themselves on British soil this weekend though, as they are entering Matterley Basin with a considerable amount of momentum on their side. The last time that they failed to claim the Chamberlain Trophy was back in 2013! However, there are some questions surrounding the team currently. An unknown quantity, Christophe Charlier, has been pulled over from the FIM EnduroGP World Championship to fill the MX2 berth.

Dylan Ferrandis was originally slated to fill the spot, but then broke his scaphoid at the penultimate round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series. Benoit Paturel, who was down as the reserve rider, sustained internal injuries days later, hence why the nation suddenly had to search further afield. Charlier achieved some success in the MX2 class a handful of years ago, including a moto win at Matterley Basin in 2013, so perhaps he will be able to uncover that fire this weekend?

Gautier Paulin is set to lead the defending champions into action yet again and has recorded impressive finishes in the premier division lately. Paulin has never finished higher than third overall on a 450F at this venue, which is somewhat of a surprise. The jump-laden layout should suit his flamboyant style perfectly. Romain Febvre, who has won three of the four motos that he has competed in at the Motocross of Nations, will complete the team. The former champion has dealt with set-up and health issues this season, hence why he has only stood on the podium a handful of times, but those appear to be in the rear-view mirror now.

Romain Febvre and Gautier Paulin enjoyed success one year ago (Monster Energy/Ray Archer)

The Netherlands rarely garner too much attention in the bench-racing discussions that take place prior to the Motocross of Nations. It is time to take notice of the Dutch, however, as some pundits are labelling them as the favourites entering the event this year. It is easy to forget that they would have actually won the Chamberlain Trophy a year ago, had Romain Febvre not pushed past Tommy Searle on the final lap and gained an additional point. Although The Netherlands are entering the event with the same three riders as they had a year ago, they may be in a stronger position than ever before.

Jeffrey Herlings has worked through the various teething problems that he encountered at the start of the season and is arguably the man to beat on a 450F. If everything goes to plan then Herlings, who will once again pilot his Red Bull KTM in the Open category, should slide into the top three in each moto. A brace of thirds would actually be considered a disappointment for Herlings, who will undoubtedly shoot for individual glory.

Glenn Coldenhoff, who will contest the MXGP class for the team, recorded a handful of mediocre results at the start of the season, but turned things around at the halfway point. Eleventh was the average finish that he acquired through the first half of the MXGP season, for example, but an eighth was his average through the final portion. Brian Bogers is the greatest question mark on the Dutch team, as he has endured a turbulent campaign in MX2 that has featured less trips to the podium than he has experienced in the past.

Jeffrey Herlings rarely falters at the Motocross of Nations (KTM Images/Ray Archer)

Team USA decimated the competition when the Motocross of Nations was held at Matterley Basin in 2006. James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Ivan Tedesco represented the team and did not drop outside of the top ten at all across the weekend. That consistency was unmatched, as a lot of the other teams had a DNF on their scorecard, hence why they were so unstoppable. The American riders will hope to unearth some consistency again this weekend, as that is often the key to success at this unique race.

Team USA enter the unknown whenever they travel across the Atlantic to compete at the Motocross of Nations, but two members of the team are already familiar with Matterley Basin. Zach Osborne, who will contest the MX2 division and also lead the team into action, reeled off countless laps around the venue earlier in his career and will undoubtedly put that to good use. Osborne will pilot a 250F, of course, so will be at a disadvantage when matched up against the MXGP and Open riders, but do not be surprised if he wins an individual moto. Antonio Cairoli managed it on the smaller bike back in 2006!

Cole Seely will fill the MXGP berth and undoubtedly be considered a question mark by some. The Honda HRC rider just completed a successful outdoor season though and hovered around the podium more often than not in the second half of the series. Thomas Covington is in a similar position, as he is stepping up to the bigger bike and racing it at the highest level for the first time, but believes that he actually rides the 450F better.

Cole Seely is a rather large question mark on Team USA (Honda Racing Corporation)

Team Belgium appeared to be extremely strong just a couple of weeks ago, as Clement Desalle was set to lead the team into action. Desalle has not competed at the Motocross of Nations since 2013, when Team Belgium claimed an emphatic victory, because some untimely injuries have scuppered his plans. That has occurred again this year, as the Monster Energy KRT rider injured his lower back at the MXGP of The Netherlands just three weeks ago. Who has been drafted in as his replacement? Kevin Strijbos, a wily veteran, who actually competed at this event back in 2006.

Although some will fear that he is not going to be competitive so late in his career, his record at the MXoN is rather outstanding. Four individual podiums have been acquired by Strijbos and he has dropped outside of the top eleven in a moto just once! Just last year he slid into the MXGP class and finished third overall. Another veteran, Jeremy Van Horebeek, will fill the other 450F spot on Team Belgium and often rises to the occasion on the world’s greatest stage.

Julien Lieber was supposed to return to the MX2 berth for the first time in two years, but sustained a knee injury at the MXGP of Pays de Montbeliard and had to withdraw. Team Belgium were left scrambling to find a replacement, once again, but did not have to look too hard. Brent Van Doninck will return to the squad for the second season in succession, but pilot a machine that he is much more familiar with this year. That should help him improve on his results from Maggiora and break into the top fifteen in at least one moto.

Brent Van Doninck has been drafted into Team Belgium at the last minute (Monster Energy/Ray Archer)

Team Great Britain will step onto home soil with one of their strongest teams in recent memory. Max Anstie will act as the team leader, a position that he has undoubtedly earned, following a successful term in the premier category. Anstie has enjoyed success at the Motocross of Nations in the past, as well as some crushing blows, but has a lot of momentum in his corner this time around. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider has been competitive on all surfaces this season, jostled with some former champions and proven that he belongs at the front of the field. Max will expect to lead the team to a podium finish and also contend for an individual victory.

Tommy Searle has had his sights set on the MXoN for quite some time, following a turbulent season. Seeing him race around Matterley Basin on a 250F will bring back brilliant memories for a lot of fans; he swept both motos in an incredible fashion back in 2012. Searle also enjoyed success when he last contested the MX2 class at the Motocross of Nations, as he romped to an individual victory in Latvia three years ago. The British fans can rely on the fact that he’ll use that experience to put his Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki near the front in each race.

Dean Wilson will complete the team, much to the delight of British fans, and race around Matterley Basin for the first time. Wilson has a brilliant record at the Motocross of Nations, as he has finished inside of the top ten in seven of the eight motos that he has completed at the event. That consistency also helped him claim fourth in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series earlier this year.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Husqvarna/J.P Acevedo